1. < Depression & Anxiety

Getting off of Seroquel

Posted by anniegk @anniegk, Jun 8, 2018

I have been on 300 mgs. Seroquel ER for over a year for augmenting my antidepressant which is 45 mgs. Of Mirtazapine. I decided to try and get off of the Seroquel. I was on 300mgs ER (extended release). I titrated down to 250 mg ER for 2 months without too many problems.than i titrated down to 200mgs ER just 5 days ago. My plan is to try to titrate off using ER tablets. My thinking is that perhaps the drug will remove its self from my system more gradually. I have had some nausea and a couple of episodes of diarrhea. I also have a very irregular heart beat and was started on 60 mgs of Propranolol ER (extended release) 4 weeks ago. It seems to be helping my heartbeat. I have wondered if the nausea and light headness is from the Propranolol, a Beta Blocker, or the dose reduction of the Seroquel. I also wonder if the way iam titrating the Seroquel is safe. My doctor says it will only take a couple of weeks...I think that is too fast of a taper after being on a drug for over a year. What do you think?

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tired | @tired | Nov 27, 2020
In reply to @bustrbrwn22 "@woogie. I used to take melatonin to help me sleep. Now I take magnesium and it..." + (show)
@bustrbrwn22

@woogie. I used to take melatonin to help me sleep. Now I take magnesium and it works much better. Not sure if your bloodwork shows this is an option for you; I’m usually low in all vitamins.

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Hi woggie, I am taking melatonin currently. I have to take 30mg. I'm curious in what way do you feel magnesium, is better

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Erika | @erikas | Dec 1, 2020
In reply to @woogie "I am afraid of what I would do if I took a pill for sleeping (such..." + (show)
@woogie

I am afraid of what I would do if I took a pill for sleeping (such as: otc sleep aids). I am so tired and get so little sleep. I pee every half hour all night long. I do take water pills because of swelling. I don't know if peeing all the time means your kidneys are working great of exactly what. I did go to a urologist and she said I never completely empty. She told me to use a catheter but didn't show me how to insert it and I have tried but I cannot do it. No one will show me and I looked online but that was futile. So, I cracked my head by zooming off the toilet in my sleep and went across the bathroom floor and hit my head (top) at a high speed. I sprinted because I sit in that position with my feet (heels up in the air). Cracked my spinous process in my neck at C4 level. Thank God I didn't have to have surgery. I am going on lack of sleep. I take so many pills for pain, my doctor is afraid to give me anything for sleep. Also, I have sleep apnea and can't wear the mask because of severely deviated septum. I don't think it was set high enough and one night I had it on and couldn't get enough air--ripped it off my face in my sleep and never put it on again. I know we all have issues and I am so afraid of doing something in my sleep like you did--drink something poisonous or something. I know I went to sleep standing up in the bathroom--started falling over forward and something hit my face--it was the shower curtain. It woke me up otherwise, head first into the tub. A while back, I was on paxil. I gained 50#. I told my doctor "yes, I am depressed but the pills make me fat and bald so which is worse!

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@woogie You have multiple medical issues. One main concern you have is your dangerous sleep walking. It sounds like you have a complicated medical history with many unresolved issues. I'm wondering if you have considered getting a second opinion?

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melissakow | @melissakow | Dec 11, 2020

I am waking up unable to breathe and now I’m scared to death of sleeping or taking seroquel and lexapro together 20 lexapro and 600 seroquel I have really bad shortness of breathe and severe anxiety

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melissakow | @melissakow | Dec 12, 2020

I am on seroquel 600 and have stopped breathing in my sleep from seroquel and lexapro.

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2 replies
Hank | @jesfactsmon | Dec 13, 2020
In reply to @melissakow "I am on seroquel 600 and have stopped breathing in my sleep from seroquel and lexapro." + (show)
@melissakow

I am on seroquel 600 and have stopped breathing in my sleep from seroquel and lexapro.

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@melissakow
Can you call your doctor? This is obviously serious and if it continues I would get myself to an emergency room if you can't get ahold of your doctor. My advice: DON'T TREAT THIS LIGHTLY! I am dismayed that no one has responded to you sooner. Take care, Hank

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Erika | @erikas | Dec 13, 2020
In reply to @melissakow "I am on seroquel 600 and have stopped breathing in my sleep from seroquel and lexapro." + (show)
@melissakow

I am on seroquel 600 and have stopped breathing in my sleep from seroquel and lexapro.

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@melissakow Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. You, "have stopped breathing in," your sleep from Seroquel and Lexapro. I am of the same mind as @jesfactsmon. Have you spoken to your provider regarding the breathing issues? May I ask how you know you have stopped breathing?

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bustrbrwn22 | @bustrbrwn22 | Dec 13, 2020

@melissakow Melissa. I am so sorry to just read this now. Please go to urgent care and call your prescribing doctor, page him if outside of office hours. This is very serious. Please keep us posted. We care.

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val56 | @val56 | Dec 15, 2020

They have a group on Facebook called Seroquel (Quetapine) should be illegal. They have a file on how to taper off

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3 replies
Erika | @erikas | Dec 15, 2020
In reply to @val56 "They have a group on Facebook called Seroquel (Quetapine) should be illegal. They have a file..." + (show)
@val56

They have a group on Facebook called Seroquel (Quetapine) should be illegal. They have a file on how to taper off

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@val56 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect, a place to give and get support.

I agree with you. Taping off a medication like Seroquel on your own should not happen. If your provider will not be of assistance then it's important to find a new provider.

I know that is a barrier for many people, finding a new provider. I'm well aware. It isn't easy to navigate the medical system. In times like these it's important to use any support you have, like family, friends, social workers, insurance providers, patient advocates, the office of patient experience, etc. etc.

May I ask if you have experience in taping from Seroquel?

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3 replies
sears | @sears | Dec 15, 2020
In reply to @val56 "They have a group on Facebook called Seroquel (Quetapine) should be illegal. They have a file..." + (show)
@val56

They have a group on Facebook called Seroquel (Quetapine) should be illegal. They have a file on how to taper off

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Yes Seroquel and Effexor.

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